Miranda Casarez, a Texas stepmother, was sentenced to 25 years in prison for the death of her stepson, Benjamin “Benji” Cervera. Casarez, 25, was found guilty of injury to a child by omission causing serious bodily injury. She claimed that her abusive husband, Brandon Lee Cervera, was responsible for the abuse that led to Benji’s death, including forcing him to drink urine, hot sauce, and hand sanitizer, as well as eat bread with dirt and flowers. Benji weighed only 28 pounds at the time of his death, just one month before his fifth birthday.
Casarez testified in court that she never starved Benji or forced him to consume harmful substances. She claimed that her husband was the one who physically abused the boy for soiling his diapers. Casarez, who breastfed her infant throughout the trial, said she considered Benji as one of her own children, showcasing a tattoo of his name and favorite character on her arm. However, the jury was not convinced by her testimony, especially after watching a heartbreaking video of Benji begging for food on the day he died, with Casarez callously denying his request.
Evidence presented during the trial included photos of the family’s locked refrigerator and cabinets, as well as surveillance footage of Benji searching for food at night. Casarez also sent text messages to her mother expressing frustration over Benji, although she later tried to blame her husband for the messages. The prosecutor urged the jury to sentence Casarez to life in prison, highlighting that Benji had not received the necessary care in the months leading up to his death, and the person responsible was the one he called mom. Despite Casarez feeling like a victim in Benji’s death, the jury handed down a 25-year sentence.
Casarez will have to serve at least half of her sentence before being eligible for parole. Her husband, Brandon Lee Cervera, is set to face trial next month for one count of injury to a child with the intent to cause serious bodily injury. The case shed light on the tragic and heartbreaking circumstances surrounding Benji’s death, with the jury ultimately holding Casarez responsible for his suffering and demise. Despite her emotional outbursts and claims of innocence, the evidence presented during the trial painted a grim picture of neglect, abuse, and ultimately, death. The sentencing of 25 years in prison reflects the severity of the crime and the lasting impact it had on Benji and those involved in his tragic story.
